Following the news in April 2014 that the Society would be awarding scholarships to three Egyptian archaeologists and Egyptologists, we are delighted to announce that, thanks to generous support of the British Council, the number of places has been doubled, to six.

They will travel to the UK during autumn 2014 and will be based primarily at the Society’s headquarters in Bloomsbury (London WC1) where they will have the opportunity of benefiting from the extensive Egyptological library, archive and events programme, and networking with people and visiting places which are relevant to their various jobs within the Ministry of Antiquities.

Dr Chris Naunton, The Society’s Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these scholarships thanks to the support of the British Council, and very much looking forward to welcoming the scholars to London. Egypt is perhaps the richest country in the world in archaeological terms, and it is crucially important, now more so than ever, that it can rely on archaeologists and Egyptologists of the highest calibre to look after its sites and monuments. Our scholars will play a leading role in ensuring the survival of the country’s heritage into the future and we are thrilled to be able to play a part in their development.”

The six scholars were chosen, following a process of open competition, from a pool of just under 100 applicants. The successful candidates are among the very highest-flying young Egyptians in this crucially important field for Egypt. All are trained in academic archaeology/Egyptology and are already working within the Ministry of Antiquities, and have direct responsibility for the care and management of ancient sites, monuments and/or objects in museums. All demonstrated clear ideas as to how their time in the London would be of benefit to them in terms of their day-to-day work and how they would use the experience to improve the work of the Ministry as a whole by training their colleagues, introducing new ideas and techniques, and establishing networks of contacts with specialists in the UK.

Mark Stephens, Director British Council Egypt, said, “I’m delighted the Egypt Exploration Society and the British Council are able to bring Egypt’s archaeologists to the UK, helping to strengthen the already excellent ties our two countries enjoy in this important area. I’m also very pleased to announce support to the English language learning of a wider group of Egyptian archaeologists through 30 scholarships in our teaching centres.”

Applications for the English language courses are now invited, see here.

The Society has enjoyed a very close working relationship with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Heritage since the time of its foundation in 1882. Supporting the Ministry by assisting in the development of its staff is a crucial part of the Society’s mission “to explore ancient Egyptian sites and monuments, to create a lasting record of the remains, to generate enthusiasm for Egypt’s past and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting its heritage.”

A press release on the above issued jointly by the Society and the British Council is available both in English and Arabic.